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Ghirardelli Flagship Store | Fisherman’s Wharf

Possibly the most famous United States artisan chocolate makers, the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company was established in 1893 in this very spot – at Ghirardelli Square just off San Francisco’s waterfront. Ghirardelli is one of the few companies in America that controls the entire chocolate manufacturing process, from cocoa bean to finished product – and this attention to detail is evident in the deliciously rich array of flavours available here.

Sea salt caramel, dark chocolate with raspberry, spiced pumpkin, white vanilla, peppermint bark and dark and orange are just some of the delicious combinations on offer – and that’s just in the perfectly proportioned Squares

There are also bars, baking products, hot chocolate, as well as pick and mix options, so give yourself some time to make your selection – especially if you are involving kids in the decision making process! The shakes on offer here are addictive too (as vouched for by the plethora of Ghirardelli ‘Shake Bars’ dotted across California), so be sure to sit down and let the kids enjoy one before you go. After all you’ll be needing the energy to carry all those bags of scrumptious chocolate concoctions back to your hotel

Fun Fact Ghirardelli was one of the first American manufacturers to fully understand and use the power of advertising and promotion and during the late 1800’s, Ghirardelli hired the best available artists and advertising experts to create the Ghirardelli name and logo. They also run a festival each year: in 2013, it will run on September 14 and 15 here at Ghirardelli Square.